Description of Korat

﻿The Breed History

Considered a good luck symbol by the Thais, this breed to them symbolizes wealth and rain because of the soft silver color. First written records date to the Ayudhya Period of Siamese history which encompasses 1350-1767, where a cat of this description was identified as a good luck cat. First found in the Korat province in Northeastern Thailand (then Siam), Korat (Koh-raht) are more commonly referred to as Si-Sawat (see-sa-what) in Thailand, which means prosperity. First American imports occurred in 1959. The CFA accepted the Korat for championship status in 1966. TICA accepted them in 1969, FIFР№ in 1972. In Thailand, they were given in pairs as gifts, and especially valued as bride gifts; also cherished as gifts for visiting dignitaries. No outcrosses are allowed.

Physical Characteristics

Weight: 6-10 lb (2.5-4.5 kg)

Coat: The Korat possesses a single short coat; hairs are dark in the middle, and light blue-gray at the base, the ends are tipped with silver (coat color is termed silver-blue). The coat lies close, is silky and glossy, and the silver tipping produces a halo effect around the cat. Silver tipping is pronounced on feet and muzzle. In Thailand, the coat color is referred to a "rain cloud gray". Though the odd lilac or lilac point cat is born, they are not accepted as Korat for registration. In one study, Korat cats had a 21% carrier rate and 2% rate of pointed cats.

Eyes: The Korat has very large eyes which gradually transition through yellow amber-amber-amber-green, then to peridot green by two to four years of age.

Points of Conformation: A small-medium sized cat, they are moderately compact (semi-cobby). The head is heart-shaped, and the profile has a slight stop and the nose curves down towards the terminus. Large ears have rounded tips, and have minimal furnishings. Oval feet are compact. The Korat has a medium length tapered tail with minor kink accepted (felt but not seen).

Grooming: Grooming needs are minimal, and a quick weekly brush will suffice.